Academic Services Manager (Advance and Earn)

Program Description: The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) is a non-profit, multi-service organization focusing primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Position Summary: The Isaacs Center is seeking a highly motivated candidate to serve as the Manager of Academic Services within the Education and Workforce Development division. Reporting to the Director of Advance and Earn is primarily responsible for oversight and leadership of academic services for young adults (17–24 years of age) who are disconnected from traditional learning environments and are unemployed or underemployed. Through the provision of literacy and numeracy classes, pre-high school equivalency and high school equivalency preparation, and college readiness supports, participants will enter or re-enter the workforce and pursue educational opportunities that boost their hourly wage earnings and put them on a sustainable career path.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, 11am-7pm

Salary Range: $64,350 - $70,000

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account. 

Role, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

Program Oversight and Leadership (45%)

• Provides oversight and leadership for High School Equivalency and college readiness/placement/transition programs.
• Coordinates recruitment, enrollment, assessment, testing, and retention efforts.
• Designs and implements initiatives, action plans, and goals in collaboration with instructional staff, career development teams, and supportive services.
• Supports, observes, and motivates academic staff (teachers, instructors).
• Recruits, trains, and evaluates staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Creates a supportive climate and culture to enhance student achievement and staff engagement.
• Promotes best practices in youth development, differentiated instruction, crisis intervention, and classroom behavior management.
• Collaborate with instructional staff and other stakeholders to address challenges and enhance program effectiveness.

Participant Advising and Support (30%)

• In collaboration with the instructional team:
  • Meet individually with participants to review their goals, program progress, and post-secondary plans.
  • Assess students' academic levels and readiness for GED testing through diagnostic tools, develops individualized learning plans that lead to GED attainment
  • Provides motivation, encouragement, and strategies to overcome barriers to success.
  • Provide guidance on study habits, time management, and test-taking strategies.
  • Guide students through GED exam registration and testing processes, ensuring familiarity with procedures.
  • Connect students with resources like tutoring, workshops, or online materials to address specific challenges
  • Work closely with the Career and Alumni Services Hub (CASH) team to support students in the exploration and pursuit of postsecondary education or career opportunities, such as vocational programs, college admissions, and financial aid options

Partnership Development (10%)

• Develops and maintains partnerships with community members, external partners, and educational institutions to support program growth and success.
• Collaborate with Isaacs/Goddard